Whetstone Brook
Naawi Ziibiinsaning
Artists: Sherri Loonsfoot-Aldred & Aiyana Aldred
Artwork Interpretive Statement:
Warm amber tones evoke the feeling of home. Above, the North Star guides the way, recalling how Anishinaabe peoples once navigated these waters while fishing. The night sky holds opens its arms for those without a home, as this was place for all. A railway runs through the scene, referencing the displacement of the village site that once stood here. Though, home can be anywhere the heart finds belonging.
Nearly two centuries ago, smoke from cook fires at Naawi Ziibiinsaning, an Anishinaabeg village, signaled a welcoming place of food and shelter in this small bay. In 1850, this shoreline was agreed upon to be the ideal site for the future City of Marquette.
Anishinaabeg, the original stewards of this land, fished these streams using the unique rock structure near the mouth. The distinctive rock outcrop near you, Gaines Rock, was named for a small homestead that existed where residences now line the street. Further uphill, some of Marquette’s original homes and sandstone buildings still stand.
Aanzinaagotoon: In less than a decade, the shoreline’s inhabitants grew from the village’s small array of wooden dwellings to a bustling center of commerce.
The bike path beside you is built on an old railroad grade. The rail yards supported the growing downtown and working harbor but polluted the streams and forced the Anishinaabe village to relocate further north towards Presque Isle. As recently as the 1980s, the area around you was largely uninhabited, besides a few small encampments. The rocks and chemical storage tanks offered temporary shelter to people who could not afford a place to call home.
Whetstone Brook was confined to an underground pipe for almost 100 years.
A few steps away is a bridge that crosses Whetstone Brook. Restoration efforts began in the early 2000s to clean up the brook. A watershed management plan continues to monitor the effects of stormwater runoff and care for the health of the local ecosystem, home to many species of aquatic insects, fish, and birds. Around you now is a place of desirable residence and public recreation.
Bakobiikawe: Small footpaths invite exploration towards the water’s edge where you can dip your toes into the same water as all those who have come before; whose footsteps might you follow today?
Anishinaabemowin Translations:
Naawi Ziibiinsaning: /naawi/ in the middle of ; /ziibi-/ river ; /-ns-/ little ; /-an-/ more than one ; /-ng/ place
aanzinaagotoon: change its appearance, transform it.
bakobiikawe: s/he leaves tracks going into water
Links to Learn More:
This section is an ever-growing collection of stories and resources.
If you have suggestions for additional resources or stories related to this site SUBMIT THEM HERE
Founding of Marquette, Michigan – in the words of Peter White by local author Mikel B Classen (audio story available as well)
Community Connections:
Have a memory, story, or reflection inspired by one of the shoreline sites? Share your voice! Stories can be personal, historical, or reflective. Submit writing, images, audio, or video – This is the first phase of a living trail—a storytelling project that weaves together public spaces, community voices, history, and art to deepen our connection to the water, land, and people of Marquette.
Each stop along the trail invites you to slow down, reflect, and explore what makes this place meaningful. Through shared stories and creative contributions, we hope to spark curiosity, appreciation, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Your perspective matters. This is a space where all are welcome to share what’s important to them—about this place, its past, its future, and the community we shape together.
Cultural Trail Partners
COMING SOON! Cultural Trail partners and knowledge centers